updated 09:20 pm EST, Mon November 14, 2011

Android tablets to get Droid branding

Verizon is reportedly preparing to rebrand Motorola's second-generation Android tablets, which will allegedly be sold under the name "Droid Xyboard" rather than the Xoom 2. Although many companies use code-names to refer to some products that are still in the development stage, the carrier has applied to trademark the term Xyboard.

Despite the curious trademark for a US release at Verizon, the tablets will likely maintain the Xoom name in other markets. Motorola has already confirmed plans to launch the devices as the Xoom 2 and Xoom 2 Media Edition in Europe.

Both tablets will integrate TI's dual-core OMAP processors running at 1.2GHz, along with 1GB of RAM, 16GB of onboard storage and dual cameras. Display improvements promise brighter colors, while the 8.2-inch edition will spread the viewing angle out to 178 degrees.

Verizon has yet to confirm plans to rebrand the tablets as the Droid Xyboard 8.2 and Xyboard 10.1, though references to the devices appear to have surfaced in the carrier's inventory system. [viaPocketnow]